Student employment

Student employees are a valuable asset to the Bluffton community. Through the Learn & Earn program students can gain work experience in their area of academic study, identify career objectives, gain transferable skills that can be useful in a variety of careers and earn a paycheck.

Any traditional undergraduate student attending Bluffton University is eligible to work in the Learn & Earn program. Eligibility for a campus job is included in most financial aid awards. While this does not guarantee a work assignment for every student, the majority of students who wish to work on campus are offered a job.

To be considered for campus employment, students must submit a Learn & Earn application.

Most student jobs are for 6 to 8 hours per week and students will be issued an employment agreement providing information on pay rate and hours. First-year students earn minimum wage. Returning students who remain in their current job for the following year or work in a job related to their major field of study may be eligible for a merit-based pay increase each year of $.25 per hour. Paychecks are issued on the 15th of each month for time worked the previous month. Direct deposit into a personal bank account is an option.

Student worker training sessions are held each semester by the Career Development Center and the Financial Aid Office. Student workers are expected to attend and are paid for the one hour session. Topics presented have included teamwork, customer service, skill building, diversity, credit reports, identity theft, budgeting/money flow and educational/career choices.

There are forms that must be completed before a student will be permitted to work. These forms must be completed and returned along with appropriate, acceptable identification, to the business office receptionist located in the lower level of College Hall.

Student workers pose by the Bluffton sign at the entrance of campus